The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has addressed concerns surrounding the use of the private jet owned by Ibrahim Mahama and occasionally used by his brother, President John Dramani Mahama, for official trips.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday, Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the government does not pay for the maintenance or servicing of the aircraft, known as Dzata. “The President does not rent the aircraft; he only fuels it. The aircraft belongs to somebody, so the owner retains the services of the pilot and other personnel who work on it,” he said.
According to the minister, the responsibility for paying the pilot, crew, and carrying out maintenance rests entirely with the aircraft’s owner, while the state only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the jet is used for official presidential travel.
Kwakye Ofosu explained that this arrangement helps the government avoid the higher costs that come with chartering a plane for official trips. “When the President rents an aircraft, apart from paying the rent, he would also have to cover fuel and all the costs associated with maintaining that aircraft during the time he is using it. By not doing so, the President is saving public funds,” he noted.
His remarks come amid scrutiny from the Minority in Parliament and policy think tank IMANI Africa over President Mahama’s use of the private jet, including his recent official visit to South Korea.
